DES MOINES, Iowa – The Grinnell College women's basketball team matched its entire win total from all of last season Monday night with a 77-64 non-conference victory at AIB College of Business.
 
Grinnell rallied from an eight-point first-half deficit while improving to 3-6 overall. AIB dipped to 4-7.
 
The Pioneers had four players score in double figures, led by Alissa Hirsh '16 with 21 points. Sophia Gatton '17 added 16 points, Kayla Morrissey '18 pitched in 15 and Lydia Stariha '17 tallied 10.
 
Alex Neckopulos '17 contributed 13 rebounds and three steals.
 
The hosts led by eight midway through the first half and were still up by seven at the 5:41 mark when the Pioneers closed out the half with 12 consecutive points.
 
Kaitlyn Norton '17 began things with a 3-pointer, which was followed by a free throw by Stariha and layup by Hirsh to bring the Pioneers within 25-24. Gatton followed with two free throws at the 3:06 mark to put Grinnell in command by a point.
 
Stariha then got a layup, and Anne Boldt '16 and Stariha each sank free throws to push the Pioneers ahead 30-25 at halftime.
 
Grinnell began the second half with a 3-pointer by Gatton and layup from Hirsh to push its lead to 10 points. AIB never got closer than seven after that as the Pioneers cruised to victory.
 
Grinnell is off until Jan. 3 when it entertains Lawrence University in Midwest Conference action. The tip is slated for 1 p.m.